German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Tuesday, addressing the escalating tensions between the US, Denmark and Greenland. Scholz sidestepped direct criticism of US President Donald Trump’s comments, instead reiterating the importance of respecting international borders.
“The principle of the inviolability of borders is a fundamental principle of international law” Scholz said. “It must apply to everyone. I’ve made that clear from this platform a few days ago. Borders should not be shifted by force – to whom it may concern.”
Scholz’s comments came in response to Trump’s assertion that Canada and Greenland should be part of the US. The German Chancellor had previously expressed his “disappointment” over the US president’s comments, emphasizing the importance of respecting borders without naming Trump.
The main focus of the meeting, however, was on the threats posed by Russia. “We’re continuing our conversation today, Mette, that we started at the Helsinki summit of the Eastern Alliances two weeks ago” Scholz said. “We discussed the threat to the security of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, which originates from Russia.”
Scholz highlighted the recent reports of a damaged underwater cable, which he attributed to the Russian “shadow fleet.” He emphasized the importance of the NATO alliance in maintaining collective security, noting that many member states have increased their defense spending in recent years.
The German Chancellor also touched on the need for a more robust European defense industry, saying that rules should be established to facilitate the joint development and procurement of military equipment within the European Union.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Frederiksen echoed Scholz’s sentiments, expressing support for Ukraine and opposition to the influence of China and Russia. “Europe, our continent, is built on the idea that cooperation, not confrontation, leads to peace, prosperity and a better existence” she said. “Let us honor this idea.